about

A1
Pronunciation
/əˈbɛʊt/
/əˈbaʊt/
/əˈbʌʊt/
/əˈbaʊt/
Adjective
3 definition(s)
1 Definition

Moving around; astir.

Example Sentences
  • After my bout with Guillan-Barre Syndrome, it took me 6 months to be up and about again.
2 Definition

In existence; being in evidence; apparent.

Example Sentences
  • This idea has been about for a while but has only recently become fashionable.
3 Definition

Near; in the vicinity or neighbourhood.

Example Sentences
  • I had my keys just a minute ago, so they must be about somewhere.
Adverb
9 definition(s)
1 Definition

On all sides; around.

Example Sentences
  • I looked about at the scenery that surrounded me.
2 Definition

Here and there; around; in one place and another; up and down.

Example Sentences
  • Bits of old machinery were lying about.
3 Definition

From one place or position to another in succession; indicating repeated movement or activity.

Example Sentences
  • walking about;  rushing about;  jumping about;  thrashing about
4 Definition

Indicating unproductive or unstructured activity.

Example Sentences
  • messing about;  fooling about;  loafing about
5 Definition

Nearly; approximately; with close correspondence in quality, manner, degree, quantity, or time; almost.

Example Sentences
  • Dinner's about ready.
6 Definition

Near; in the vicinity.

7 Definition

To a reversed order; half round; facing in the opposite direction; from a contrary point of view.

Example Sentences
  • to face about;  to turn oneself about
8 Definition

In succession; one after another; in the course of events.

9 Definition

In circuit; circularly; by a circuitous way; around the outside; in circumference.

Example Sentences
  • a mile about, and a third of a mile across
Preposition
8 definition(s)
1 Definition

In a circle around; all round; on every side of; on the outside of.

Example Sentences
  • The snake was coiled about his ankle.
2 Definition

Over or upon different parts of; through or over in various directions; here and there in; to and fro in; throughout.

Example Sentences
  • He was well known about town.
3 Definition

Indicates that something will happen very soon; indicates a plan or intention to do something.

4 Definition

Concerning; with regard to; on account of; on the subject of; to affect.

Synonyms
apropos as for
Example Sentences
  • He talked a lot about his childhood.
5 Definition

Concerned with; engaged in; intent on.

Example Sentences
  • to be about one's business
6 Definition

Within or in the immediate neighborhood of; in contiguity or proximity to; near, as to place.

Example Sentences
  • I can't find my reading glasses, but they must be somewhere about the house.
7 Definition

On one's person; nearby the person.

Example Sentences
  • I had no weapon about me but a stick.
8 Definition

In or near, as in mental faculties or in the possession of; under the control of; at one's command; in one's makeup.

Example Sentences
  • He has his wits about him.